The first (but not last) team the Hub coached. He was driving past somewhere in Johannesburg one day (sorry to be so vague but it was twenty-five years ago and I wasn’t even there) and saw a boys’ football match going on. He had time to pass so he stopped to watch. One team was dreadful. It was Wanderers. Wanderers is a famous cricket ground in South Africa. Or is it rugby? Not football, anyway.
The Hub is not a shrinking violet: at half-time he walked up to the manager and said, ‘Do you mind if I give you a few tips?’ And did.
The manager fell on to the Hub’s shoulder, crying. He was a young man, about twenty, who played rugby and knew nothing about football. His brother was in the team and they had no coach, so he took it on. The Hub was a gift from the heavens.
The Hub loved it. So did the kids: they equalised in that game, and won many more afterwards. A novel experience, as they had only ever lost previous games.
I’m not sure how good an example he set, though. I once went to watch a match and I heard one mother ask another mother, ‘Who is that angry young man?’
He was once sent off by the ref, and he didn’t even play. Hurling abuse from the sidelines doesn’t count as a sport. If passion for the beautiful game was a sport, however, he’d be the stuff of legend.
The Laughing Housewife 
Wanderers = cricket 🙂
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Pirates = soccer 🙂
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Lovely story. Paul is a gem: hang on to him (and get him to instal Skype)
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Aw… No wonder you married him.
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Good for Hub. And wonderful red.
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Message for Cindy and Viv. Cindy, you are a girl after my own heart. I am well impressed.
Hi Viv, Skype has been installed for the past three weeks, including webcam. Unfortunately Linda doesn’t have any talent for listening, apart from when it has something to do with food, Maltesers, her blog, writing or poetry. The fact that the camera is right in front of her everytime she sits down at the computer also tells me she might have a problem with her eyesight as well as her hearing. Next time I need her attention I might just call Maltesers instead of calling her name. Hopefully talk to you soon…..on Skype.
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Bwahaha! This comment = better than the post! 😀
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😦
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I didn’t say that very well, Tilly. Sorry. 😦
It’s just that I don’t see many comments from “Hub” and this post was about “Hub” and then he turned the tables on you and he made me laugh.
BTW: I’m reading a book right now that mentioned Maltesers! I immeditately thought of you.
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lol! I wasn’t really offended; I’m just furious that the Hub is getting any glory. That’s not supposed to happen 🙂
I’m glad he made you laugh;
I laugh at him all the timehe makes me laugh all the time.What is the book?
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Hey sweetie…mwaa!
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Your hubby certainly has not lost his sense of humor. And I am glad he was able to inspire his team.
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Always 🙂
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Tilly, a fair and gifted coach is hard to find, as my son will testify 🙂 Wonderful to hear of his exploits. Does he support a team these days?
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City, of course 🙂
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First of all, besides loving your hubs all the more for stepping up and volunteering, I really love the young man who was giving it a go. There are so few people out there who actually do have the time but simply decide to use it for themselve alone instead of giving it to others. That shared time creates unforgettable moments and memories that last far beyond the givers dreams.
The young people on that RED team received two priceless gifts – I hope they remember them and took them to heart, and use them as examples for their own lives.
Cheers to your Hubs, and cheers to the wonderful manager-brother, who not only stepped up to the plate (net?), but also was willing to accept help without taking offense!
Great post! Thank you. The world will never go completely to pot as long as there are people like your hubs and the other young man who are willing to engage themselves in the lives of others.
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That young men whose name I have forgotten is the real hero of the piece, don’t you think? 🙂
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They are both heroes! And so are you, Tilly! You put up with one of them. . .:-D
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An excellent story!
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I was the only mom who helped coach my daughter’s softball team, so I sympathize with Paul. I was terrible, too. Once pitched underhand to a 13-year-old a head taller than I and she hit it straight into my kneecap! I wanted to swear a blue streak, but, wanting to set a good example, shouted, “Ow! Ouch! Wow, that really, reeeeeeally hurts, darn it all to heck,” etc. The girls were on the ground laughing because I was trying so hard not to swear. Great post, and nice to hear from Hub! Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/the-pine-box-and-news-from-amy/
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Amy, I’ve laughing so it hurts 🙂
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Is there no end to this man’s talents? 🙂
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He’s annoying, isn’t he?
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Great happy shot and I loved the story behind it too. 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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greetings by
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Greetings!
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